Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
49% cheaper
Little Rock is 49% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $37,952 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arkansas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Little Rock has a housing index of 62 while Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Little Rock costs $170,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $680,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $950 in Little Rock versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Little Rock scores 94 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Little Rock (90) are lower than Los Angeles (103).
Median household income in Little Rock is $47,638 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
Amazon affiliate links